The Suffolk County Coalition Against Domestic Violence Inc. (SCCADV) incorporated in 1976 as the Long Island Women's Coalition, Inc. A not-for-profit 501 (C) (3) organization, the agency provides services to victims domestic violence in Suffolk County, NY. From the beginning, we recognized that the most important need for victims is safety. With a program of shelter, supportive services and prevention, SCCADV offers victims options as they take the first steps in reclaiming their lives.

In its early days, SCCADV set up a 24-hour hotline and volunteers opened their homes and their hearts by providing "safe houses". A network of safe homes was established, and the crisis hotline and supportive services were all provided by volunteers.

During the next few years, funding was secured and in 1983 the Safe Harbor shelter opened, enabling SCCADV to provide safety and shelter for victims of domestic violence. The shelter provides clients the core services necessary to help flee abuse, develop a plan of action and find permanent housing all in a supportive environment. Safe Harbor was the first shelter in Suffolk County specifically for victims of domestic violence.

Continuing as a pioneer in the field, SCCADV launched the Domestic Violence Precinct Outreach Project in 1989. This program was the first of its kind in the nation. The project placed a domestic violence advocate in each Suffolk County Police Department Precinct. Advocates act as a resource and provide direct client service. This project serves as a model for similar initiatives nation-wide.

Today, SCCADV offers a holistic program of services. Recognizing that domestic violence affects all aspects of a victim's life, we address as many needs as possible. In 2006, we continue to provide a 24-hour hotline, shelter, precinct outreach project, courtroom advocacy, legal assistance, employment advocacy, community and youth education, transitional housing program (VAST) and counseling services for adults and children. Bi-lingual (English and Spanish) services are available for those seeking counseling and in the precincts and courthouse. Recently, SCCADV implemented a translation service on the 24-hour hotline, which allows trained hotline counselors to communicate with callers in over 100 different languages. SCCADV is eager to continue to develop and implement services that will meet the ever-changing needs of victims and raise awareness of the issue.